CN1179082C

CN1179082C - Communication controlled washing system and method of operating the system

Info

Publication number: CN1179082C
Application number: CNB011174218A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 尹相哲; 郑文基
Original assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Current assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Priority date: 2000-05-26
Filing date: 2001-04-27
Publication date: 2004-12-08
Anticipated expiration: 2021-04-27
Also published as: CN1326029A

Abstract

Communication-controlled washing system and method of operating said washing system, wherein at least one washing machine can be remotely controlled through a communication unit. The service provider separately controls the use, operation end, operation process and fault diagnosis of multiple washing machines through the communication network, thereby significantly reducing the time and work required for users or managers to limit the use of washing machines, program upgrades or repair faults. In addition, the optimal washing mode can be completed according to the use history and environmental conditions of each washing machine.

Description

The method of the washing system of Control on Communication and this system of operation

Technical field

The present invention relates generally to the washing system and the method for Control on Communication, or rather, relate to a kind of washing system of Control on Communication and the method for this system of operation, wherein in order at each washing machine identifier element to be installed from the outside indication use purpose relevant with washing machine, and the ISP is whether every washing machine specifies special-purpose sign (ID) so that diagnose every washing machine to break down by communication network, can provide when breaking down and review one's lessons by oneself or visit formula breakdown maintenance service, upgrading simultaneously, change or interpolation program also provide accurately effectively information and service to every washing machine, thus, can realize best washing mode according to the use history and the environmental condition of every washing machine.

Background technology

Along with the accelerated development of labor division and degree of specialization, washing machine rental industry and laundry service have appearred recently, and for example the user pays the laundry service mechanism that the goods of predetermined quantity rises the washing machine just can use required purposes.

In addition, some for example for single living or the leisure usefulness the condominium apartment, marriage person apartment, restaurant, merchant do not live in the building of special-purposes such as dual-purpose building, usually all be equipped with by each user and be chosen in the commercial washing machine that carries out washing operation sometime according to washing times, he or she can select washing amount or other function.Therefore, the user can wash and needn't the individual buy washing machine with low price.

On the other hand, washing machine company or apparatus manager must keep a close eye on being installation and management commercial or many washing machines that the taxi purpose is provided with.

For example, commercial self-service laundry comprises washing agent and Duo Tai washing machine, and every washing machine all has a notch, and this notch is used to receive the coin of predetermined quantity.In every washing machine, be provided with microcomputer so that the control operation relevant with washing machine.To check the coin number of receiving by notched joint after the microcomputer operation, if the quantity that receives equals scheduled volume then starts relevant washing machine.

Yet the washing machine in the laundry is more frequent owing to what use than common washing machine, so its fault rate is very high, therefore needs a large amount of time and the manpowers of cost to keep in repair.In addition, the user must put into notch to coin, and this is very inconvenient, and apparatus manager's loaded down with trivial details work such as need exchange money.

Usually, the user must check continually that washing machine is to judge the laundry state in laundry processes in use.As an alternative, the user can be by the mistake that occurs in washing operation state in the technology judgement laundry processes of suggestion among the Japan Patent public publication number flat 11-146991 (1999.6.2) or the washing machine.

In above-mentioned Japanese public publication, washing machine sends the FM signal, and the FM receiver is always keeping receiving the FM signal that sends under the receivable prerequisite.That is to say that washing machine comprises display unit and emission and receives the communicator of data, washing machine and air-conditioner, television set, refrigerator, computer and other electrical equipment can be networked by described communicator.These electrical equipment include communicator and with the similar display unit of washing machine.

If washing machine sends with its mode of operation by communicator and the relevant information of mistake whether occurs, then the electrical equipment of other and washing machine networking all can receive the information of emission and show on their display unit.

Yet, in above-mentioned Japan Patent public publication number flat 11-146991, the mode of operation that special-purpose communicator transmits washing machine must be set in washing machine and other electrical equipment.In addition, washing machine and other electrical equipment must be networked each other.And, require receiver always to keep its receiving ability.

Goal of the invention

Therefore, the present invention makes for the starting point face with the problems referred to above, the washing system and the method that is used to operate this system that the purpose of this invention is to provide a kind of Control on Communication, wherein for identifier element has been installed every washing machine from the outside indication use purpose relevant with washing machine, whether the ISP has specified special I D for every washing machine on communication network breaks down in every washing machine so that diagnose, can review one's lessons by oneself or visit formula breakdown maintenance service in case break down, upgrading simultaneously, change or interpolation program and, and then the laundry pattern of finishing the best according to the use history and the environmental condition of every washing machine for every washing machine provides accurate and effective information and service.

According to one aspect of the present invention, can realize above-mentioned or other purpose by the washing system that Control on Communication is set, described washing system comprises: the ISP, described ISP and at least one washing machine are in correspondence with, judge whether to allow to use washing machine and change its function, receive the information relevant and all control functions of finishing washing machine with washer operation, these functions are included in the use audit function of carrying out on the basis of reception information, diagnostic function and changing function function, wherein said ISP is suitable for receiving the use historical information of the described washing machine that sends from described washing machine controller, on the basis of the use historical information that receives, service content is classified, and on the basis of classified service content, produce the information that described washing machine is controlled according to usage time interval and function of use; Be installed in the communicator in the washing machine, the various control signals that it is handled from the ISP send treated control signal to washing machine, finish agreement control function and the load information signal is sent to the ISP from washing machine; The washing machine controller that links to each other with communicator, it operates washing machine, and control load is finished diagnostic function and transmission and is used historical relevant information with reception and washing machine; Display unit, it shows the washing machine current working state under the control of washing machine controller; The keyboard input block, it selects and changes the keyboard signal of washing function according to user's operation input; File devices, its execution control function relevant with downloading data of selecting according to the user is finished the read/write operation from ISP's data downloaded; With the detection signal generating means that is installed in the washing machine, it produces the fault detection signal that the expression washing machine uses the identifier signal of purpose and represents whether to break down in the washing machine, wherein said detection signal generating means comprises: identifier element, it produces the described washing machine of expression and uses the identifier signal of purpose, thereby makes described ISP provide control information and service according to the use purpose of described washing machine; With the washing machine fault sensor, whether it is used for detecting at described washing machine and breaks down and with the form output testing result of described fault detection signal.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a kind of method of washing system of operation communication control is provided, this method may further comprise the steps: a) pass through communicator access services supplier by the appointment washing machine of having specified the specific identity character, whether detect and break down in a plurality of sensors and its load and produce fault detection signal when breaking down when detecting, the ISP is applicable to allow or ban use of and comprises many washing machines execution all the control functions relevant with washing operation also of specifying washing machine; B) ISP determines that according to the fault detection signal discriminating fault types that produces in the step a) and according to differentiating the result can the appointment washing machine oneself repair this fault still is that needs adopt the maintenance service of visit formula to repair described fault; And c) can oneself repair described fault if in step b), determine the washing machine of appointment, then send selfreparing information to the washing machine of appointment by the ISP, if and definite needs adopt the maintenance service of visit formula in step b), then send inoperable information to the washing machine of appointment by the ISP, wherein said step c) may further comprise the steps: if c-1) conclude the described fault of described appointment laundry function oneself reparation ISP described in the step b), the ISP will show described selfreparing information on the display unit of described appointment washing machine, the washing machine user can repair described fault voluntarily according to the information of reviewing one's lessons by oneself that shows; And c-2) when at described step c-1) in when recovering described washing operation after finishing selfreparing, described ISP will judge in the load in described sensor and described appointment washing machine whether break down, wherein said step c) also comprises step: if conclude the described visit maintenance service of needs in described step b), then described ISP will be to described appointment washing machine transmission telephone number and other information needed from the nearest service centre of described appointment washing machine.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a kind of method of washing system of operation communication control is provided, said method comprising the steps of: a) by specifying the washing machine controller in the washing machine to exchange the laundry control information and according to non-user-specific the keyboard operation of specifying keyboard input block in the washing machine is started the washing operation of specifying washing machine by communication network and ISP, the ISP is applicable to allow or ban use of and comprises a plurality of washing machines of specifying washing machine and carry out all control functions relevant with washing operation; B) if start washing operation in step a), then washing machine controller will detect and specify the required control input parameter of washing operation of washer and carry out the washing control model according to detected control input parameter; C) if the washing control model of step b) finish, then send and the relevant record of washing operation of specifying washing machine to the ISP by washing machine controller, and receive from the washing operation record of washing machine controller and be added to the washing operation record that receives in the previous washing operation record and store the result of addition by the ISP; And d) ISP according to used time period and access times with the service content classification and will send the washing machine of appointment to through the service content of classification.

According to a further aspect in the invention, a kind of method of washing system of operation communication control is provided, said method comprising the steps of: a) at least one washing machine of permission and ISP carry out the initial operation between them, washing machine is adapted to pass through the remote information of communication network reception from the ISP, carry out washing operation and send the information relevant according to the remote information that receives with washing operation to the ISP, the ISP is adapted to pass through communicator and communicates by letter with washing machine foundation, determine whether to allow to use washing machine and change its function, reception is from the washing operation information of washing machine with according to all control functions of the washing operation information and executing washing machine that receives, described function comprises the use audit function, diagnostic function and changing function function; B) if washing machine need be downloaded new procedures relevant with specific function and various information on services, the ISP will retrieve this program and information and program and the information that retrieves will be sent to washing machine; And c) by washing machine current program is become the program that step b) sends, the control parameter of the best washing mode of information setting that sends according to step b) is also carried out washing operation according to the control parameter of program that changes and setting, wherein said information on services comprises weather, time and season information, and the step that wherein said step b) comprises has, mechanism is provided and the information on services that retrieves is sent to described washing machine by described ISP's retrieval various information relevant with described information on services, wherein said step c) also comprises step: set up described best washing mode thereby described washing machine changes current control parameter according to the described information on services that sends in described step b) so that current washing mode is fit to ambient environmental conditions.。

Description of drawings

Can more be expressly understood above and other objects of the present invention, feature and advantage by the detailed description of carrying out below in conjunction with accompanying drawing.

Fig. 1 is the block diagram that schematically shows the washing system of Control on Communication of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a block diagram of representing the washing system of Control on Communication of the present invention in detail;

Fig. 3 is the flow chart of the Control on Communication washing procedure of the expression washing system method that is used to operate Control on Communication of the present invention;

Fig. 4 is the flow chart of the Control on Communication washing machine recognizer of the expression washing system method that is used to operate Control on Communication of the present invention;

Fig. 5 is the flow chart of the Control on Communication washing machine remote fault diagnosis program of the expression washing system method that is used to operate Control on Communication of the present invention;

Fig. 6 is the flow chart that Control on Communication washing machine that expression is used to operate the washing system method of Control on Communication of the present invention uses historical supervisory programme;

Fig. 7 is the flow chart of the program updates program of the expression washing system method that is used to operate Control on Communication of the present invention; With

Fig. 8 is the flow chart of the Control on Communication washing machine control program of the expression washing system method that is used to operate Control on Communication of the present invention.

The specific embodiment

Fig. 1 is the block diagram that schematically shows the washing system structure of Control on Communication of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a block diagram of representing the washing system structure of Control on Communication of the present invention in detail.As shown in these two figure, the washing system of Control on Communication comprises and is respectively the ISP 200 that a plurality of remote clients or random installation are specified the specific identity characters and carried out all control functions that comprise washing machines 100 such as diagnostic function at local arbitrarily washing machine 100, with the communicator (110 and 112) that is installed in each washing machine 100, described communicator is used to handle the various control signals from ISP 200, and treated control signal is sent to washing machine controller 130 and the load information signal is sent to ISP 200 from washing machine controller 130.

As shown in Figure 2, in each client computer or washing machine 100, carry out all control functions that the common washing operation of washing machines needs and produce diagnosis, progress and other load information signals according to the information of each parts output from washing machine by set washing machine controller 130.Client computer further is included in the following motor M that drives washtub of control of washing machine controller 130, the feed water valve or the draining valve even load 170 that under washing machine controller 130 controls, start, information that input ID character is relevant with the washing function of being selected by the user with washing process and other and the keyboard input block 150 that the ID character and the information of input is transferred to washing machine controller 130, and the display unit 140 that under the control of washing machine controller 130, shows the mode of operation that washing machine 100 is current.

Washing machine controller 130 comprises washing, rinsing or dehydration (spin-drving) time of measuring washing machine 100 or the timer 131 of current time, be used to store and read the interior memory cell 132 of various information and carry out the data operation operation and logical operation so that the CPU (CPU) 133 of control whole system operation.Interior memory cell 132 preferably includes random-access memory (ram) and read-only storage (ROM).

In addition, washing machine 100 comprises and is used for downloading the program version of upgrading, the replacement or the interpolation relevant with the control of washing machine function and the program version of downloading is stored in the external memory 160 of interior memory cell 132 and is used to visit external memory 160 so that therefrom sense information or file memory controller 165 that information is write from ISP 200.

Keyboard input block 150 comprises and optionally external memory 160 being connected with interior memory cell 132 so that with the options button 151 of program upgrade, the replacement or interpolation in the memory cell 132 in existing and the reset key 152 that is used to force access memory storage unit 132 initial positions.Reset key 152 needn't be visited the initial position of external memory 160, and this is because the visit of file memory controller 165 control storages 160.

Communicator (110 and 120) is included between washing machine controller 130 and the ISP 200 communication module 110 that transmits data, thus be connected with communication module 110 so that to from various control signals of the ISP 200 and carry out coding/decoding from the load information signal of washing machine controller 130 and in system, carry out the protocol processor 120 that signal is handled.

Be provided with identifier element 180 in this external washing machine 100, it is family expenses or commercial identifier signal so that the ISP provides control information and service according to the use purpose of washing machine that this unit produces expression washing machine 100.Also be provided with washing machine fault sensor 185 in the washing machine 100, whether this fault sensor detects and breaks down in washing machine and testing result is sent to ISP 200.

Also be provided with load cell 190 in the washing machine 100, water level, temperature, non-equilibrium state and load capacity in this load cell detection washing machine 100 and the result that will measure send system to.Also be provided with system failure sensor 191 in the washing machine 100, whether break down in the further detection system of result that this system failure sensor detects according to load cell 190 and the result that will measure is sent to system as first fault detection signal.Also be provided with driving condition fault sensor 192 in the washing machine 100, the duty of this sensor monitoring motor M or starter A detects the result who whether breaks down among motor M or the starter A and will measure according to the result who monitors and sends system to as second fault detection signal.

ISP 200 provides required service by the operation of the using of communicator (110 and 120) transmission and reception and washing machine 100, information that operation is relevant with fault diagnosis and remote control washing machine 100 with as washing machine.That is,, ISP 200 provide various services to make its operate as normal according to the operation of the various information control washing machines 100 that send from washing machine 100 and to washing machine 100 thereby linking to each other with washing machine 100 by communicator.In addition, ISP 200 function that has expense that calculate to use washing machine 100 and present the bill for the expense of calculating.

ISP 200 receives from washing machine controller 130 and the information relevant with the operation history of washing machine 100 and also differentiates the service of used time period and the service of access times according to the information that receives.For example, for the washing machine of hiring out, ISP 200 can provide the term discount rate or paying/free service is differentiated by the used time period.Yet ISP 200 can provide the information on services of relevant Optimal Control condition according to the number of times that washing machine uses as the user.

To describe the method for the washing system of operation communication control below, the washing system of described Control on Communication has said structure of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is the flow chart of the Control on Communication washing procedure of the expression washing system method that is used to operate Control on Communication of the present invention.At first step S10, if the user operates client computer or washing machine 100 by keyboard input block 150 to the special-purpose ID character of washing machine controller 130 inputs, then Zhuan Yong ID character will send to ISP 200 by communication module 110 and protocol processor 120.

At the second step S11, ISP 200 checks the private subscribers ID character of transmission and judgement allows or ban use of washing machine 100 according to check result.

If judged result is to allow to use washing machine 100 in the above-mentioned second step S11, ISP 200 will send the use information that allows to washing machine 100 in the 3rd step.Yet if judged result is to ban use of washing machine 100 in the above-mentioned second step S11, in the 4th step S13, ISP 200 will judge whether to have continued and determine to ban use of washing machine N time at least.Determining to ban use of washing machine 100 to be judged in succession at least under N time the situation, ISP 200 will notify client computer or washing machine 100 owing to imported private subscribers ID character mistakenly or other is former thereby can not use washing machine.

The differentiation number of times that bans use of in above-mentioned the 4th step S13 is preferably 3.

In the 5th step S14, client computer or washing machine are receiving the ID character that will check special use when washing machine uses prohibition information from ISP 200.In addition, when receiving washing machines from ISP 200 and using the permission information, the data that the client computer input is relevant with the washing operation function, described washing operation for example is meant by the wash time of user by 150 selections of keyboard input block, process etc.

In the 6th step S15, client computer is carried out washing mode, rinsing pattern and dehydration mode in order by the project that the user sets in above-mentioned the 5th step S14, judge then whether washing operation is finished.Finish if determine washing operation in above-mentioned the 6th step S15, then in the 7th step S16, client computer will inquire whether ISP 200 allows to finish washing operation.On the contrary, when being defined as washing operation in above-mentioned the 6th step among the S15 and not finishing, client computer will be returned above-mentioned the 5th step S14 and finish washing operation according to time or the process set.

If whether the client computer inquiry allows to finish washing operation in above-mentioned the 7th step S16, then in the 8th step S17, ISP 200 will check the life cycle or the load capacity of washing machine 100, send the permission ending message according to check result to client computer then.

If client computer receives the permission ending message that sends from ISP 200 in above-mentioned the 8th step S17, then in the 9th step S18, open the door of washing machine 100, allow the user to extract washed clothes out, enter province's energy pattern and wait for washing operation next time.Yet, if ISP 200 does not send the permission ending message in above-mentioned the 8th step among the S17, then client computer should change the 10th step S19 over to so that keep closing and wait for sending from ISP 200 and get back to above-mentioned the 7th step S16 under the condition that allows ending message at the door of washing machine 100.

Fig. 4 is the flow chart of the Control on Communication washing machine recognizer of the expression washing system method that is used to operate Control on Communication of the present invention.In first step S20, the identifier signal that ISP 200 receives from the identifier element 180 of the appointment washing machine 100 that connects by communicator provides service or out of Memory to washing machine 100.

In the second step S21, ISP 200 judges according to the identifier signal of identifier element 180 outputs whether washing machine 100 is family expenses.If the judged result in the above-mentioned second step S21 is that washing machine 100 is not family expenses, then in the 3rd step S22, ISP 200 will assert that washing machine 100 for commercial, requires client computer to be input as the private subscribers ID of washing machine user appointment then.

For judged result in the above-mentioned second step S21 is that washing machine 100 is situations of family expenses, and ISP 200 will receive from the information relevant with state with process washing machine 100 client computer in the 4th step S23, changes above-mentioned the 3rd step S22 then over to.

In the 5th step S24, ISP 200 at the ID user information corresponding search subscriber information database of importing among the S22 in above-mentioned the 3rd step (DB), judge then whether the ID of input identical with the user profile of search.

If the judged result in above-mentioned the 5th step S24 is that the ID of input is identical with the user profile of search, in the 6th step S25, ISP 200 will send to washing machine 100 and allow washing information so.On the contrary, be the ID of input and the user profile situation inequality of search for the judged result in above-mentioned the 5th step S24, ISP 200 will turn back to above-mentioned the 3rd step S22, and require client computer to re-enter right user ID.

In the 7th step S26, washing machine 100 allows the user according to selecting washing amount, water level and other washing function from the permission washing information of ISP's 200 outputs, carries out washing mode, rinsing pattern and dehydration mode continuously according to the washing function that the user selectes subsequently.In the 8th step S27, ISP 200 monitors the washing operation of washing machine 100 and judges whether washing machine 100 asks to finish washing operation.

When in above-mentioned the 8th step S27, concluding that washing machine 100 requests finish washing operation, ISP 200 will check the cycle, washing times etc. of load capacity, wash time in the 9th step among the S28, judge according to check result whether washing operation can normal termination then in the tenth step S29.

If conclude that in above-mentioned the tenth step washing operation can normal termination among the S29, ISP 200 will send the information that can finish to washing machine 100 in the 11 step S30.In the 12 step S31, washing machine 100 is waited for washing operation next time then according to finishing washing operation from what ISP 200 sent.

On the other hand, when at least three times judged result among above-mentioned the tenth step S29 is a washing operation can not normal termination the time, ISP 200 will send the information that can not finish to washing machine 100 in the 13 step S32.

Fig. 5 is the flow chart of the Control on Communication washing machine remote fault diagnosis program of the expression washing system method that is used to operate Control on Communication of the present invention.

In first step S41, the washing machine controller 130 in the client computer 100 is according to judging load cell 190 or motor M or the starter A whether break down from first or second fault detection signal of system failure sensor 191 or 192 outputs of driving condition fault sensor.

Break down if the washing machine controller 130 in above-mentioned first step S41 in the client computer is concluded among load cell 190 or motor M or the starter A, then produce fault detection signal and in the second step S42, this signal is sent to ISP 200.In the 3rd step S43, ISP 200 confirms to break down corresponding washing machine according to the fault detection signal that sends from client computer 100 in the above-mentioned second step S42.

In the 4th step S44, ISP 200 differentiates the fault type of the washing machine of assert in above-mentioned the 3rd step S43, determines that can client computer 100 control oneself and repairs this fault according to differentiating the result then.

If in above-mentioned the 4th step S44, predicate client computer 100 these faults of unstoppable reparation, then in the 5th step S45, ISP 200 will determine to make a phone call to allow washing machine services and repairs personnel repair this fault, send inoperable information to client computer 100 then.

In above-mentioned the 5th step S45, the ISP can also send the telephone number of services and repairs personnel in the telephone number of its nearest service centre or service centre the while to client computer 100 when client computer 100 is sent inoperable information.

Whether ISP 200 can need the information of service call to the relevant client computer 100 of display unit 140 outputs of washing machine in addition.In this case, if client computer 100 is carried out service call by user's keyboard operation, then ISP 200 goes visit before the specified services maintenance personal immediately.

On the other hand, when determining that in above-mentioned the 4th step S44 client computer 100 can control oneself when repairing described fault,, ISP 200 allows the washing machine user control oneself to repair this fault thereby will be in the 6th step S46 sending the information of reviewing one's lessons by oneself to client computer 100.

In the 7th step S47, the information of reviewing one's lessons by oneself that will send from ISP 200 in above-mentioned the 6th step S46 is presented on the display unit 140 of client computer 100, and the user can be according to the information of reviewing one's lessons by oneself reparation fault that shows and the operation that recovers washing machine.

After this, in the 8th step S48, ISP 200 judges whether the fault of client computer 100 circulars is identical with the fault type of confirming in above-mentioned the 3rd step S43.When concluding that client computer 100 has been circulated a notice of the fault of same type in above-mentioned the 8th step S48, ISP 200 will and turn back to above-mentioned the 4th step S44 at the 9th step S49 input double faults diagnostic mode.

On the other hand, if if what conclude client computer 100 circulars among the S48 in above-mentioned the 8th step is not that the fault or the washing machine controller 130 in the client computer 100 of same type interrupts breaking down among fixed load sensor 190 or motor M or the starter A at above-mentioned first step S41, then client computer 100 and ISP 200 carry out conventional treatment in the tenth step S50.

Fig. 6 is the flow chart that Control on Communication washing machine that expression is used to operate the washing system method of Control on Communication of the present invention uses historical supervisory programme.In first step S61, in order to carry out washing operation, the user needs laundry item is put into washtub, selects required washing function by keyboard input block 150 then.In the second step S62, washing machine controller 130 detects the control input parameters such as amount such as load capacity, water level, washing agent.Subsequently, in the 3rd step S63, if ISP 200 allows to use washing machine, then washing machine controller 130 will be set best wash conditions and begin washing operation according to the washing function that the user selectes.

After this, washing machine controller 130 determines whether washing operation is finished in the 4th step S64.Also do not finish if conclude washing operation in above-mentioned the 4th step S64, then washing machine controller 130 will turn back to above-mentioned the 3rd step S63 and proceed washing operation.Yet when concluding that washing operation has been finished in above-mentioned the 4th step S64, record that washing machine controller 130 is relevant with finishing washing operation with extraction in the 5th step S65 and the record that will extract send to ISP 200.

In the 6th step S66, ISP 200 is received in the washing operation record that sends among above-mentioned the 5th step S65.Then in the 7th step S67, the washing operation record that ISP 200 is added to the front with the washing operation that receives record is gone up and the result of addition is kept at washing machine and uses among the historical DB.

In the 8th step S68, ISP 200 is stored in whole use information of extracting washing machine the washing operation record that uses in the historical DB from accumulation and according to the time period and the access times that use service content is classified then.Service content preferably relates to discount rate, the paying/free service of usage time interval and reaches the required control information of washing machine optimum operation condition.

Fig. 7 is the flow chart of program updates program that is used to operate the washing system method of Control on Communication of the present invention, and wherein the washing machine 100 of Control on Communication is downloaded new procedures from ISP 200.In first step S71, ISP 200 judges whether washing machine 100 has sent the new procedures download request that the program relevant with appointed function upgraded.

When in above-mentioned first step S71, concluding that washing machine 100 has sent the new procedures download request, then in the second step S72, ISP 200 will produce new procedures transmission ready signal and by communication module 110 this signal be sent to washing machine controller 130 and protocol processor 120 in the washing machine 100.

Then, ISP 200 will judge in the 3rd step S73 whether washing machine 100 sends the reception ready signal according to the transmission ready signal that sends among the above-mentioned second step S72.When concluding that washing machine 100 has sent the reception ready signal in above-mentioned the 3rd step S73, ISP 200 will send the new procedures relevant with the data of washing machine 100 in the 4th step S74.

Subsequently, ISP 200 will judge whether washing machine 100 has sent the download request of distinct program in the 5th step S75.If conclude that washing machine 100 has sent the download request of distinct program in above-mentioned the 5th step S75, then ISP 200 will turn back to the above-mentioned second step S72 and repeat above-mentioned second to the 4th step S72-S74.On the contrary, conclude that at above-mentioned the 5th step S75 washing machine 100 does not send under the situation of distinct program download request, ISP 200 is with the termination routine down operation.

On the other hand, conclude that at the above-mentioned first step S71 washing machine 100 does not send the new procedures download request or conclude that washing machine 100 does not send under the situation that receives ready signal in above-mentioned the 3rd step S73, ISP 200 is with the termination routine down operation.

In first step S81, can carry out data communication each other thereby set up communication environment between washing machine 100 and the ISP 200.In the second step S82, washing machine 100 by protocol processor 120 and communication module 110 to ISP's 200 requests with such as the relevant information on services of washing operation, for example current weather, time, season etc.

ISP 200 will judge whether to receive the information on services request signal from washing machine 100 in the 3rd step S83.Unless ISP 200 has received the information on services request signal from washing machine 100, otherwise turn back to the above-mentioned second step S82.Yet,, will mechanism's acquisition information on services be provided and among the 4th step S84, the information on services that obtains be sent to washing machine 100 from information such as for example weather bureaus if ISP 200 has received the information on services request signal from washing machine 100.

In the 5th step S85, washing machine 100 is downloaded the information on services that is sent by ISP 200 by communication module 110 and protocol processor 120, then this information is deposited in the assigned address by the external memory 160 of outer memory controller 165 addressings.

In the 6th step S86, the user links to each other with built-in storage 132 by make external memory 160 by options button 151.As a result, washing machine 100 changes the basic washing process control parameter that is pre-stored in the built-in storage 132 according to the information on services that is stored in the external memory 160, thereby creates new best washing mode.

That is to say, for example, if the wash time section is night, then washing machine 100 can the 6th the step S86 in according to information on services will be bigger the washing noise become lower noise level, change the relevant control parameter of basic washing process then.In the wash time section is under the situation on daytime, and washing machine 100 can be adjusted to bigger washing noise normal noise level and carry out the basic washing process of itself.

In addition, washing machine can be according to regulate the temperature of washings, the cycle or the discharge of wash time season based on the washing of information on services.Particularly, for the dwelling house of single family, washing machine will be set wash conditions day by day according to information on services, and this is because this washing machine does not have dehydrator usually.

In the 7th step S87, washing machine 100 is carried out the washing operation in the washing mode of setting up in above-mentioned the 6th step S86.Then, washing machine 100 judges whether washing operation is finished in the 8th step S88.

When concluding that washing operation has been finished in above-mentioned the 8th step S88, washing machine 100 finishes all washing work.Yet, unless washing operation in above-mentioned the 8th S88, finish, otherwise, washing machine 100 turn back to above-mentioned the 7th the step S87 proceed washing operation.

As from foregoing description, seeing, the invention provides a kind of washing system of Control on Communication and the method that is used to operate this washing system, wherein the ISP controls use, EO, operating process and the fault diagnosis of a plurality of washing machines respectively by communication network, limits and uses washing machine, program upgrade or required time and the influence of maintenance failure thereby obviously reduce user or manager.In addition, finish best washing mode according to the use history and the environmental condition of every washing machine.

Though described the preferred embodiments of the present invention hereinbefore in order to describe, but for the person of ordinary skill of the art obviously, under the situation that does not break away from design of claim invention disclosed and scope, can carry out various improvement, interpolation and displacement to the present invention.

Claims

1. A washing system controlled by communication, comprising:

A service provider in communication with at least one washing machine, said service provider judging the permission to use the washing machine and changing its functions, receiving information related to the operation of the washing machine and performing all the control functions of the washing machine, which are included in the receiving information A use check function, a diagnosis function and a function change function performed on the basis, wherein the service provider is adapted to receive the use history information of the washing machine sent from the washing machine controller, on the basis of the received use history information Classify the service content according to the use time period and use function, and generate information for controlling the washing machine based on the classified service content;

The communication device installed in the washing machine, which processes various control signals from the service provider, transmits the processed control signal to the washing machine, completes the protocol control function and transmits the load information signal from the washing machine to the service provider;

a washing machine controller connected to said communication device, which operates said washing machine, controls loads, performs said diagnostic functions and transmits and receives information related to the history of use of the washing machine;

a display unit, which displays the current working state of the washing machine under the control of the washing machine controller;

a keyboard input unit, which inputs a keyboard signal for selecting and changing a washing function according to a user's operation;

an external memory device that performs read/write operations on data downloaded from said service provider according to an execution control function selected by a user in relation to the downloaded data; and

A detection signal generating device installed in the washing machine, which generates an identifier signal representing the intention of using the washing machine and a fault detection signal representing whether a fault occurs in the washing machine, wherein the detection signal generating device includes:

an identifier unit that generates an identifier signal representing an intention of use of the washing machine so that the service provider provides control information and services according to the intention of use of the washing machine; and

A washing machine fault sensor for detecting whether a fault occurs in the washing machine and outputting the detection result in the form of the fault detection signal.

2. The communication-controlled washing system according to claim 1, wherein said service provider is connected with said washing machine through said communication device so as to judge whether to allow use of said washing machine/whether the operation of washing machine is finished, and to provide a service for said washing machine. Specifies a private identifying character.

3. The communication-controlled washing system according to claim 1, wherein the service provider is adapted to transmit and receive information related to the use, operation and fault diagnosis of the washing machine through the communication means, thereby remotely controlling the washing machine operation and provide the required services for said washing machine.

4. The communication-controlled washing system according to claim 1, wherein the service provider is adapted to control the use of the washing machine according to various information sent from the washing machine, to provide various services for the washing machine so that It works normally, calculates the usage fee of the washing machine and issues a bill for the calculated fee.

5. The communication-controlled washing system according to claim 1, wherein said communication device comprises:

a communication module for sending and receiving information between the service provider and the washing machine; and

A protocol processor that performs the protocol control function through the communication module for information transmission and reception.

6. The communication-controlled washing system according to claim 1, wherein the external storage device comprises:

an external memory, which is connected to the washing machine controller according to the user's selection so as to perform the writing/reading operation on the data downloaded from the service provider;

An external storage controller accesses the external storage and controls data processing in each address of the external storage.

7. A method of operating a communication-controlled laundry system, the method comprising the steps of:

a) A designated washing machine designated with a dedicated identification character accesses a service provider through a communication device, detects whether a fault occurs in a plurality of sensors and its loads and generates a fault detection signal when a fault is detected, and the service provider is adapted to allow or Prohibition of the use of multiple washing machines, including the designated washing machine in question, and the execution of all control functions related to washing operations;

b) The service provider discriminates the fault type according to the fault detection signal generated in step a), and determines whether the specified washing machine can repair the fault by itself or needs to use an on-site maintenance service to repair the fault according to the judgment result; and

c) If it is determined in step b) that the designated washing machine can repair the fault by itself, then send self-repair information to the designated washing machine through the service provider, and if it is determined in the step b) that it is necessary using an on-site repair service, sending an inoperable message to said designated washing machine via said service provider,

Wherein said step c) comprises the following steps:

c-1) If in step b), the service provider determines that the specified washing machine can repair the fault by itself, the service provider will display the self-repair information on the display unit of the specified washing machine, and the washing machine user can Self-repair the described failure according to the displayed self-repair message; and

c-2) when the washing operation is resumed after the self-repair is completed in the step c-1), the service provider will judge whether there is a malfunction in the sensor and the load in the designated washing machine,

Wherein said step c) further includes the step: if it is determined in said step b) that said visiting maintenance service is required, said service provider will send to said designated washing machine the information of the service center closest to said designated washing machine Phone number and other required information.

8. A method of operating a communication controlled washing system, said method comprising the steps of:

a) The washing machine controller in the designated washing machine exchanges washing control information with the service provider through the communication network and starts the washing operation of the designated washing machine according to the keyboard operation of the keyboard input unit in the designated washing machine by a non-specific user, and the service provider Applicable to permitting or prohibiting the use of a number of washing machines, including said designated washing machine, and performing all control functions related to washing operations;

b) if said washing operation is started in step a), said washing machine controller will detect the control input parameters required for specifying the washing operation of the washing machine and execute the washing control mode according to the detected control input parameters;

c) if said washing control mode has been completed in step b), a record related to the washing operation of said specified washing machine is sent by said washing machine controller to said service provider and received by said service provider a washing operation record from said washing machine controller, and accumulating the received washing operation record to a previous washing operation record and storing the added result; and

d) The service provider classifies service contents according to the time period used and the number of times of use and transmits the classified service contents to the designated washing machine.

9. A method of operating a communication controlled washing system, said method comprising the steps of:

a) allowing at least one washing machine and a service provider to perform an initial operation between them, said washing machine being adapted to receive remote information from said service provider through a communication network, perform a washing operation according to the received remote information and send a message to said A service provider sends information related to washing operations, said service provider is adapted to establish communication with said washing machine through communication means, to determine whether to allow use of said washing machine and to change its functions, to receive information on washing operations from said washing machine and performing all control functions of the washing machine according to the received washing operation information, said functions including usage check function, diagnosis function and function change function;

b) If the washing machine needs to download new programs and various service information related to specific functions, the service provider will retrieve the programs and information and send the retrieved programs and information to the washing machine; and

c) change the current program into the program sent in step b) by the washing machine, set the control parameters of the optimal washing mode according to the information sent in the step b) and according to the changed program and the set control parameters performing the washing operation,

Wherein the service information includes climate, time and season information, and wherein the step b) includes the steps of retrieving various information providing institutions related to the service information through the service provider and converting the retrieved service information is sent to the washing machine,

The step c) further includes the step of: the washing machine changes the current control parameters according to the service information sent in the step b) so that the current washing mode is suitable for the surrounding environment conditions so as to establish the optimal washing model.